Ladies and gentlemen, today is a very historic day. This class of destroy are named after heroes. And today we recognize and we honor the true measure and the greatest exemplar of a true American hero and patriot – Senator Daniel Inouye.

This ship, the USS Daniel Inouye will join the U.S. Pacific Fleet and the INDOPACOM Joint team. This ship and its crew are ready to assume the critical mission – the defense and safeguarding of the wellbeing and interests of our nation here in the critical Indo-Pacific.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are the backbone of the United States Navy's surface fleet and critical to the future Navy. And I am here to certify that this ship and its crew are ready for its mission.

Highly capable, multi-mission ships conducting a variety of operations from peacetime presence, crisis management, to sea control and power projection – all in support of the United States military strategy.

This great ship behind you contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to conduct dynamic and unpredictable operations.

The heritage of USS Daniel Inouye is part of the Navy’s 246 years of standing the watch to protect the homeland, to preserve freedom of the seas, and to defend our way of life.

We are a Pacific nation and our security and well-being are inextricably linked to the sea.

As the maritime domain becomes more congested and contested it is our duty to uphold the core principles of the international rules-based order and this ship will serve alongside our allies and partners to ensure the future of the Indo-Pacific is one of freedom and openness.

And its Sailors will continue to honor the legacy of their ship’s namesake and ‘Go for Broke’ for decades to come as they support our country’s interests.

Soon the ship’s Captain will give the order to move aboard and bring it to life.

And the officers, chiefs and enlisted crewmembers will take to the rails representing the future of our Navy, and this magnificent crew hails from all four corners of our world…

• From the north, Petty Officer 3rd Class Dawson Bacon from Palmer, Alaska
• From the east, Petty Officer 3rd Class Bertrand Assigaassiga
• From the west, Senior Chief Marie Lou Dalby from the Philippines
• and from here in Hawaii - Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Sato

To its magnificent crew, you embody the indomitable spirit of Daniel K. Inouye.

And when they run to take this ship, and to bring it to life, see and behold the magnificence of America’s youth. And take hope and confidence that as Ken said, “We shall be a more perfect Union.”

To the crew, as you take this mighty warship to sea remember the words of John Paul Jones, the father of our Navy: “make her a fast ship for I intend to sail her in harm’s way.”

USS Daniel Inouye, welcome to the Pacific – the locus of America’s future and well-being.

Now ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce the 78th Secretary of the Navy.

A Sailor, a career naval officer, Surface Warfare Officer, he held a series of critical appointments and numerous tours of duty but none greater than as the First Commanding Officer names after another Medal of Honor winner here in the Pacific – John D. Bulkeley.

After a long career in faithful service in uniform, Secretary Del Toro continued to serve, leading successful careers as an entrepreneur and businessman, but the three roles that define him that he cherishes most are being a husband, a father and Patriot.

It is my very great pleasure to introduce our Secretary of the Navy and a dear friend – the Honorable Carlos Del Toro.